Two Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Short Inca Trail Peru

Your epic Inca Trail 2 Day Trek experience begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco. We will be driving you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the Ollantaytambo train station. 

You will be boarding the Aguas Calientes bound train to Km 104, the Short Inca Trailhead. After crossing the security control where your passport will be verified against the permit, we will begin with a gradual uphill hike. 

The region is home to some native flora and fauna which our tour guide will be explaining to you. 

We will be visiting many Inca ruins on this 10 kilometers stretch. Some of the prominent sites are, Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and Intipunku (Sungate). 

Chachabamba:

Chachabamba is a notable Inca site at 2150 meters above sea level (7053 ft.). It houses a stone altar that the Incas used to worship the sun, moon, and sacred peaks (Apus). Our local expert will be giving you a detailed insight into how the locals have preserved the tradition and continue practicing it. 

Wiñay Wayna:

After getting an introduction to the civilization and Andean traditions, we will be hiking to the most beautiful archaeological site of this South America’s esteemed trek, Wiñay Wayna. It nestles at 2650m/8694 ft. 

In Quechua, Wiñay Wayna signifies forever young. The archaeological complex features impressive farming terraces. After touring the complex, we will stop at the local campsite to unbox our lunch. 

Sun Gate (Intipunku)

After relishing the staggering views and immersive insight into the history of the Inca civilization, we will continue to the last prominent site that lies along the way. The sun gate or Inti Punku (2745m/9005 ft). 

From here you will get the first view of Machu Picchu citadel. Only those hiking the esteemed Inca Trail to Machu Picchu get to enter the citadel through Intipunku. 

After contemplating the view of the Inca citadel, we will be hiking down the hill for 45 minutes to the exit. We will embark on a 25 minutes bus ride down to Aguas Calientes town where we will accommodate you in an ensuite hotel room for the night. 

Aguas Calientes gets its name after the renowned hot springs, so make the most of your evening by taking a refreshing dip in the natural thermal waters and giving your feet some treat after a full day of hiking. 

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will be taking you to the bus station in Aguas Calientes. Here you will be boarding the tourist bus for a 25-minute ride up the hill to the entrance of Machu Picchu citadel.

Once inside the citadel, you will be rewarded with a spectacular sight of the citadel while the clouds clear and the golden rays of the sun shimmer on the walls of Machu Picchu. 

We will be giving you a two hours guided tour. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own. If you have booked to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, our guide will be directing you to the trailhead.

After exploring Machu Picchu, you will be taking a bus back to Aguas Calientes. Here we will be serving lunch at a local restaurant. At around 04:00 PM, we will be taking a train back to Ollantaytambo. 

Our representative will be meeting you on arrival and will be transferring you back to your hotel in Cusco. We will be returning to Cusco by 09:30 PM.